Their contagious enthusiasm is one of the distinctive elements in Antonio Conte’s Italy. Their friendship becomes rivalry on the Ping Pong table but leads to understanding on the pitch as they look to extend the European adventure for as long as possible. Today, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne and Alessandro Florenzi were out to speak to the press at Casa Azzurri. They have the ability to put World Cup holders Germany in difficulty and all three would be keen to celebrate a first European Championship goal on Saturday.

“Italy vs. Germany is a fixture which speaks for itself, you don’t need to look for motivation,” said Florenzi. “I don’t envy Germany but the facts speak for themselves and they are World champions and they are confident. Our confidence is growing game after game and at each individual training session. We know that it won’t be easy, but we want to do this for ourselves and the fans.”

Italy have faced a difficult draw, injuries and have had one day less than Germany to prepare. “These are excuses for losers,” added Florenzi. “We have already climbed one summit and now we have Everest in front of us, but we’re all united and together we can achieve something special.”

Florenzi liked the description given by one member of the press of the squad being players and fans: “When there’s a goal, sometimes it’s a player on the bench or a director who is the first to celebrate with the scorer. It’s proof that we really are a united group, that we are players and fans who want to do well for Italy and the supporters.” The Roma player also announced that he is happy on the right in a five-man midfield. “It’s a position which allows me to show my qualities and help the team.” Florenzi also had a very positive view of Antonio Conte: “The coach brought his technical and tactical knowledge, but also the personality he used to show on the pitch. He has done a great job with Italy.”

Lorenzo Insigne also feels that team spirit is an added weapon: “We are all important and we are all starters. We are happy that the people feel close to us, it shows that we are giving everything for the shirt and we want to make the fans keep dreaming.” He has already shown that he can be an asset from the bench after hitting the post against the Republic of Ireland and forcing a save against Spain. “I will look to give my all when I’m called upon, if I can play some attractive football or score then I’ll be happy but winning and getting through is what matters and not who scores. The boss is teaching us a lot and we are transmitting the spirit he gives us onto the pitch.”

Ciro Immobile was on the same wavelength: “The win against Spain gave us a lot of energy. Now, we are approaching a match against a stronger team and we have to train as we did for Spain by studying their weak points.” The Italy attacker also refused to give away the pre-match ritual: “We have one but it’s a secret.” The striker also responded to Mario Gomez who said that the Germans would win on Saturday and reach the semi-finals. “We have already beaten them a lot of times,” added Immobile. “Anybody can say what they want but in the end it’s what happens on the pitch that matters. We know that Germany are strong and that they believe in themselves. However, we as players together with the staff and the fans want to keep on dreaming and doing well.”

Italy’s Euro 2016 schedule

Thursday 30th June
11:00 – Training (behind closed doors)
14:30 – Press conference at ‘Casa Azzurri’

Photo:  figc.it